 March 2024
Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Native American women veterans have had an exemplary tradition of military service for over 200 years, overcoming adversity and serving at a higher rate compared to any other demographic, demonstrating dedication to our country and everlasting commitment to service.
Today, women make up 11.3% of the Native American veteran population (about 20,000), which is a higher percentage than women in all other demographics.
Learn more about Native American women veterans here.
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On March 5, the VA announced that all veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military — at home or abroad — will be eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare. This means all veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare without first applying for VA benefits.
Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll. Read more about this expansion here.
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The Kent County Sheriff’s Office praised the Michigan Incarcerated Veterans' In-Reach Program (MIVIP), saying its participation in a state program that offers incarcerated veterans services with the goal of keeping them from ending up back behind bars is a “win-win.”
MIVIP links veterans to resources with the goal of helping them find stability and preparing them to successfully enter society. They also have a case manager who will follow up with them for a year after incarceration. Already, MIVIP has helped 23 veterans at the Kent County Correctional Facility.
Read more about how MIVIP is helping veterans in Kent County at WoodTV.com.
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Based in Traverse City, Midwest Air Products Co., Inc. (MAPCO) is dedicated to solving environmental control problems. They have been in the air pollution control business for more than 40 years designing, fabricating, installing and servicing a complete line of corrosion resistant PVC air pollution control equipment.
MAPCO is also committed to hiring veterans who have given so much to this great nation. MAPCO Operations Manager Jamie strongly believes hiring veterans is an investment. “Veterans are hardworking employees who have an amazing work ethic,” he said.
MAPCO maintains a strong relationship with VES staff in hopes of filling their job openings with veteran talent. They recently hired two veterans and the spouse of a veteran, after they were referred by VES and Michigan Works! staff.
The company was also recognized by the Michigan Veterans’ Affairs Agency as a Silver-Level Veteran Friendly Employer in February. To be recognized, employers must meet certain criteria, including having a goal of hiring a certain number of veterans each year, having an established veteran-specific employee retention program, participating in veteran-specific hiring events, among others.
VES also presented MAPCO with a Certificate of Appreciation because of their commitment to hiring, training and retaining veterans.
Pictured left to right: Veterans’ Employment Representative Pat Muoio, MAPCO Operations Manager Jamie Shellenbarger, and MAPCO Office Assistant/Spouse of Veteran Celeste Moran.
Get up to speed on everything you need to know to become your own boss during the Vetrepreneur Franchise Workshop on Friday, March 22 from 12-1 p.m.
In this dynamic session, learn the secrets of financing your business venture and how to identify the perfect franchise opportunity aligned with your goals. Following the bootcamp, dive into personalized one-on-one coaching with esteemed Franchise Coaches, recognized as the best in the business. Dedicated to supporting military veterans and spouses, they are committed to helping you realize your business ownership dreams through franchising.
Acquire the skills and insights needed to take control of your future and turn your dreams of business ownership into reality. Register for the free event here.
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When veteran Kevin Packer needed help with his job search, he stopped by his local Michigan Works! Service Center for support. After being identified as a veteran, Kevin got connected to Veterans' Career Advisor Timothy Sherman who worked with Kevin to identify any barriers to employment.
Timothy quickly discovered Kevin had previously been incarcerated and was unsure how to search for jobs due to his weak computer skills. Together, Timothy and Kevin worked to identify Kevin's employment goals and updating his resume to target it towards his preferred career.
Within a few short week, Kevin found a job with ATCO Industries where he was employed for two weeks before being laid off due to a union strike. Kevin found himself again working with Timothy to find a new job.
With the support of other VES staff, Timothy helped Kevin apply for and accept a position with Cochran Bros. Distributors Inc. Kevin is now very happy working full time earning a competitive wage.
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A long-time staple for children and 20-somethings during the height of the Global War on Terror, Pop-Tarts were a coveted treasure. Whether they were traded as valued currency alongside MRE contents or buried under a pile of white socks at the bottom of a care package, for those downrange, they offered a taste of home.
The bringer of that joy, Pop-Tart creator William “Bill” Post, died on Feb. 10 at age 96. Read more about Bill and his coveted innovation at MilitaryTimes.com.
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Celebrate National Reading Month with free audio & braille books from the Michigan Braille & Talking Book Library! The Braille & Talking Book Library helps individuals – including veterans – who are not able to hold a physical book enjoy books by sending them audio and braille books and magazines right to their door.
Get them delivered right to your door or
download them instantly through the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) app. Get started at Michigan.gov/BTBL.
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Detroit Lions staff, players coaches and military members gathered recently at Ford Field and the Allen Park practice facility to pack crates for care packages that will be sent overseas.
The effort was part of a collaboration with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to honor service members fighting hard for our freedoms.
Learn more about this effort here.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.
Community Living Services Hiring Event
March 18, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Address: Wayne Michigan Works! Service Center - 35731 W Michigan Ave, Wayne, MI 48184
Event Details: register for the event
Community Living Services (CLS) is looking to fill 10+ positions in Wayne county.
Grand Rapids Union (Dean Transportation) Open Interviews
March 18, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Event Address: Dean Transportation Grand Rapids Union Operation - 900 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Event Details: register for the event
Dean is proud to be part of our community and connecting people with purpose for more than 50 years. Stop by meet the Dean team and get interviewed on the spot!
MDE Education Workforce Virtual Job Fair
March 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event Details: register for the event
Developing, supporting and sustaining a high-quality, prepared and collaborative education workforce is a high priority of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). We are hosting a virtual Education Workforce Job Fair to connect job seekers and those hiring teachers, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, administrators, and other education related positions.
Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services Open Interviews
March 22, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Event Address: Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! - 312 E Genesee Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607
Applicants are encouraged to bring resume and recent DOT card / physical for on-the-spot interviews.
Job Fairs Count as Work Search Activity in Michigan
Registering for and attending Virtual Job Fair events supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity count as official work search activities required by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Check out upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs by visiting MiTalent.org’s Career Events website.
Event Success Tips
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Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
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Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
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Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
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Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
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Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
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Smile: Be confident. You've got this!
Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.
The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.
- Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
- More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
- Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.
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MORE VETERANS' RESOURCES
If you are a veteran looking for information concerning education, health care, benefits or quality of life programs, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for more information, or call the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET.
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